Smylie Geared Up to Defend His PGA Title as the Player to Beat
Elvis Smylie, the defending champion of the Australian PGA, is ready to embrace his role as the “player to beat.” This prestigious tournament is set to take place at Royal Queensland, featuring an impressive lineup of golfers.
Strong Field Competing at Australian PGA
The competition will include renowned players such as:
- Cam Smith – 2022 British Open winner
- Adam Scott
- Min Woo Lee
- Marc Leishman
- Ryan Fox from New Zealand
- Joaquin Niemann from Chile
- Sebastian Munoz from Colombia
- Carlos Ortiz from Mexico
- Josele Ballester from Spain
- Marco Penge from England
- Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen from Denmark
Both Penge and Neergaard-Petersen earned their PGA Tour cards following strong performances in the 2025 DP World Tour.
Smylie’s Journey Since Last Year
Smylie’s life transformed 12 months ago when he won the Australian PGA by two strokes. This victory secured him a coveted DP World Tour card, enabling him to compete globally throughout 2025.
Reflecting on his sophomore year, Smylie noted the importance of perseverance. “I want to prove that I’m the guy to beat,” he stated. “It’s a privilege to feel this way.” He acknowledges that defending his title requires hard work and dedication.
Reflections on a Successful Year
Looking back, Smylie recognized 2025 as a year filled with learning experiences. “I played 24 events this year, which is more than I ever have,” he remarked. This extensive travel challenged him but also helped him grow both personally and professionally.
In addition to his PGA victory, Smylie achieved strong finishes, such as:
- Tie for second at the French Open in September
- Tie for sixth at the Danish Open in August
- Tie for eighth at the New Zealand Open in March
Building Relationships on Tour
Beyond his accomplishments on the course, Smylie valued the connections he built with fellow players. “I’ve been able to forge great friendships on tour,” he shared, highlighting the camaraderie among Australian and Kiwi golfers.
As the Australian PGA approaches, Smylie anticipates a competitive field and is eager to showcase his abilities. The sense of belonging with elite players only fuels his motivation for success. As he looks ahead, Smylie remains focused on continuing his upward trajectory in professional golf.
